Karlsruhe, Germany (April 9th, 2024): Today, the world’s largest online marketplace for luxury watches, Chrono24, unveils its new “Certified” Authentication Program, aiming to provide the most transparent authentication process to the luxury watch market through its global watchmaker network. Chrono24 shoppers can now choose their dream watch from an unsurpassed selection of certified authentic pre-owned watches, trusting fully in the absolute promise that the watch they found will be the watch they receive. Every Chrono24 “Certified” watch will receive an evergreen digital Certificate of Authenticity, providing an invaluable, lasting footprint for these analog timepieces. Certified is now live across Europe, with its rollout in the United States scheduled for later in the second quarter.
Chrono24’s “Certified” program will be available for pre-owned watches priced above 1,000€, from both professional and private sellers. The certification includes a comprehensive authenticity check of a purchaser’s watch, box and papers, along with a certificate of authenticity bearing an authenticity guarantee. A green “C” icon is now visible on listings within Chrono24’s digital platform signifying a watch’s certification standing: whether it has already been officially certified, or if certification is available as an add-on option.
“Since 2003 Chrono24 has been dedicated to continuously building and improving the trust buyers feel when they shop on our platform. This has been a guiding priority across the past two decades, and we won’t ever slow down,” comments Chrono24 CEO, Dr. Carsten Keller. “We are proud to offer the world’s largest marketplace for luxury watches, now the largest selection of certified watches from professional and private sellers and the most transparent authentication service on the luxury watch market. To shop carefree and solely focused on the passion for watches is exactly what our new “Certified” program delivers.”
How it Works:
A timepiece can earn Chrono24’s “Certified” status in two ways. Primarily, the watch can be “certified included” by an experienced, vetted, and regularly audited watchmaker who is geographically close to the rigorously-vetted dealer and contracted by Chrono24, prior to its listing and at no charge to the purchaser. Alternatively, a timepiece sold by a private seller can be Certified by Chrono24 by a watchmaker in a certification center, before it arrives to the purchaser, fully protected. This optional service bears a convenience charge of 199€ and includes the insured postage charge with a 2-5 business day turnaround time.
Verified Watchmakers meticulously check the watch through a comprehensive checklist and a standardized authentication process including a Theft Check, where the serial number is checked against leading stolen watch databases; a Functionality Check including an overall check of complications, winding, chronograph, etc. which requires opening the case back; an Authenticity Check which ensures it meets the Chrono24 definition of authenticity*; and a review of its box and papers (if included in the sale) to validate they match the reference. (These vetted watchmakers are also given exclusive access to Chrono24’s renowned network of “fake experts” – an industry-leading global team with top knowledge and resources to aid in verification.) A Certificate of Authenticity is then generated which comments on the condition of the watch and any aftermarket parts, and if there are any differences between the listing and the watch itself, Chrono24 will reach out to the purchaser so that they may decide if they wish to proceed with the purchase.
*For a detailed description of Chrono24’s stringent conditions for authenticity, click here
For every single timepiece on Chrono24, regardless of additional Certified status, watch collectors can still be assured that their purchases are fully protected through the platform’s existing “Buyer Protection” program. This program allows users to trust that Chrono24 will keep them safe until they are satisfied. Watch listings on Chrono24 are checked by internal watch experts as part of the platform’s ongoing “Authentication Protection” commitment. Additionally, payment is held in escrow until the shopper confirms they are happy with the purchase, within 14 days if bought from a professional seller/dealer or 7 days if bought from a private individual. Should a watch arrive not as the seller described, the recipient has 14 days to initiate a return and receive their money back.
Chrono24 has been the global online marketplace for luxury watches since 2003. It is the #1 address for luxury watches for commercial watch dealers, private sellers and watch enthusiasts across 120 countries, supported by 22 languages. Users within the Chrono24 community track the value trajectories of their 3.7 million+ owned timepieces over time- regardless of whether they were purchased through Chrono24. The total value of all Watch Collections tracked within Chrono24 is more than $49.7 billion – which makes up almost 7% of the estimated $748 billion value of all the watches in the world.
About Chrono24 GmbH:
“Chrono24 – The World’s Watch Market” is the world’s leading online marketplace for luxury watches. The largest global offering of new, used and vintage watches combines Chrono24 with an extensive service portfolio, allowing buyers and sellers to complete their transactions in a trusted environment. Chrono24 was founded in 2003 and has offices in Karlsruhe, Berlin, New York, Miami, Tokyo and Hong Kong.
IG: @chrono24